pass the hat
Take up collection
Pass the hat is to collect money from a group, typically for a shared purpose or to help someone in need.
The image is literal—someone circulating a hat for contributions: We passed the hat to cover his medical bills.
The phrase suggests informal, voluntary giving rather than formal fundraising.
- panhandleGeographic arm of territory
- whip-roundInformal collective donation
- collectingGathering items over time
- collection plateReceptacle for congregational donations
- donationVoluntary charitable gift
bum · generosity · take up a collection · mutual aid · ante up · dig deep · kick in · crowdfunding · cadge · almsgiving · charitable giving · charity · good cause · benefit concert · contributions · solidarity · hit up · mooch
- clothing idiomsfit like a glove, dressed to the nines, dressed to kill, wear the pants, caught with pants down
- street performingsinging, juggling, magic tricks, miming, harmonica
pass the hatbill
Amount owed, written
charge · invoice · direct debit · meter
pass the hatdisburse
Pay out officially
foot the bill · pick up the tab · dole out · give away · pay out
pass the hatself-fund
Finance from personal resources
go it alone · foot the bill · pick up the tab · bootstrap · bankroll
pass, hat, passed, passing, passes, passer, passable, passage, passenger